As a dental office with a special focus on dental anxiety and patient comfort, we understand that the slightest hint of pain can actually keep you from making the call to your dentist. It is our intent to create a safe environment for nervous patients to obtain the care they need. At the same time, through education, we do what we can to minimize this need. One of the conditions that is important to discuss is gum recession.
Gum recession should be avoided because:
- When gum tissue recedes, a layer of protection is lost. Specifically, it is the roots and nerves of teeth that become vulnerable due to gum recession. Pain maybe found in the form of sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages. Additionally, vulnerable groups may be affected by cavity causing bacteria.
- Gum recession sometimes occurs because the overall strength of gingival tissue has diminished. In such situations, this weakness may allow oral bacteria and plaque to collect in small pockets around teeth. This sets the stage for gum disease.
- These plaque-filled pockets also present a significant risk to your breath. The more acidic the oral environment, and the more bacteria that are present, the harder it is to avoid chronic bad breath.
Forging ahead through Fact-finding
The best way to treat gum recession, like gum disease, is to prevent it. However, because these two conditions are often mistaken as one and the same, it’s possible to miss important facts that help you forge ahead to optimal oral health. Let’s look at some of the ways that people inadvertently harm their gums:
Smoking. Actually, while smoking is a very unhealthy habit, using smokeless tobacco can be even more detrimental to gum health.
Not brushing. There’s perhaps no more important aspect of oral health and brushing and flossing as recommended by your dentist. Within 24 hours, plaque accumulation around on brushed teeth can be noticed with the naked eye. This accumulation degrades connective tissue and causes recession.
Brushing. On one end of the spectrum are individuals who sometimes forget to brush their teeth; on the other, there are those who work very hard to get their mouth as clean and fresh as possible. Brushing aggressively is not the way to do this, but it has become common practice. Forceful technique and hard bristles, just like plaque and bacteria, breakdown delicate gum tissue and instigate recession.
Here’s the good news: you do not have to experience painful dental problems! Contact our office to schedule a visit. After a consultation and examination, we will have the necessary information to develop a custom oral health plan to keep you healthy and comfortable.
